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Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Following the global reveal of the Spark Electric Vehicle in Los Angeles last year, Chevrolet's all-new battery-powered mini car will be presented to a European audience for the first time at this year's Geneva Motor Show. The car will be sold in select European markets as of 2014.

The Chevrolet Spark EV is anticipated to set a benchmark in performance for an urban city electric car and is powered by the most advanced electric motor and battery system General Motors has ever built.

"The Spark EV is a fun-to-drive zero-emission city car with intelligent connectivity. We believe it will resonate particularly in some of Europe's most technologically advanced markets," says Susan Docherty, President and Managing Director of Chevrolet and Cadillac Europe. "Just like Volt, this nimble battery-powered vehicle is a proof point for Chevrolet’s ingenuity in delivering smart mobility solutions."

Advanced propulsion system key to speedy take-off, competitive range

Its sports-car-like acceleration and smooth, yet instantaneous, torque of 542 Nm make the Spark EV a small car with enjoyable driving dynamics. The heart of the Spark EV's propulsion system is its GM-designed permanent magnet electric motor. It delivers more than 130 hp (100 kW) and will enable 0-100 km/h acceleration in under 8.5 seconds.

The Spark EV will be equipped with a lithium-ion battery system of more than 20 kWh that operates with the help of an active liquid cooling and heating system. Thanks to the sophisticated technology of its battery pack, the Spark EV is expected to achieve an electric range that is among the best in its class.The battery pack has been engineered to enable both regular alternate current (AC) and direct current (DC) fast charging.

DC fast charging will allow the car to recharge up to 80 percent of its capacity in approximately 20 minutes. Moreover, the battery system is capable of handling multiple DC fast charges daily. AC recharging requires between 6 and 8 hours, using a 230V outlet. A charge cord set is standard.